This week, Bob Pondillo [http://bobpondillobooks.com] discusses screenwriting and novelisations, the horrors of Catholicism, and media history from radio to TV and the Hayes Code to cartoon skirts on animals. We talk depression and work output, the socratic method vs the woke mind virus, and why it's important to speak your mind on big issues. Also film production, offense in media, jobs as identity, and why well-meaning people sometimes miss the memo. 

Guest: Author, Educator, and Screenwriter Bob Pondillo

This week, we talk Daddy Doms, House Eternum [https://aeternumverse.carrd.co/], and what you might not suspect is true of the kink community. Millicent the dog makes an unplanned appearance, and we explain what's going on with the Dexter franchise. Also what it's like to be disabled or to need mental health care when you're American and not rich--and how those things might be even more difficult when you're any sort of minority. We discuss why people living authentically are more kind than those who aren't, and Wednes learns a whole bunch about modern gaming. Also Nerdery, the fash, pet play, and a MadLib. 

TW: Discussion of self-harm
CW: adult content. 

Gamers, Creatives, and Dungeon Enthusiasts: Gene & Say

This week, Wednes talks sleep disorders with painter, sculptor, and dream curator Brian MacGrego [https://brian-macgregor.com/]r. We parse whether ocean creatures only seem alien because we're on land, and whether or not art ought to be confrontational all the time. Also, Geiger, Dragon's Lair, Pet Sematary 2, and trigger warnings.

While we avoided most political talk, we did parse whether having quiet conversations with our opponents is more helpful than the alternatives. Plus insomnia and sleep studies, why creatives hate working in the service industry, and all about using dreams in art. 

Guest: Artist Brian MacGregor

This week, Patrick Freivald and Wednes parse whether neurodivergence as a concept is even real--or if we're all on a spectrum of one sort or another. We discuss anthropology and how ND conditions may increase one's value to the tribe. Also fight-or-flight, writing and publishing, Rod Serling, why celebrating differences is essential, and city horror versus country horror.

Author, Educator, Science Guy, and Beekeeper Patrick Freivald 

This week, we talk international travel, music, and autism with Mimi U. She's a self-proclaimed pop-idol with a love of anime, J-pop, and smiling. We discuss whether autism can be a gift, a superpower, or a PitA. Also tips for living with intrusive thoughts, media portrayals of autism, and how anime and horror both have problematic fans. 

Guest: Mimi U

The Mentally Oddcast returns for a sixth season with Rev Josh Hosler. [Http://www.goodshepherdfw.org]We talk religion and society, and why a god can be a source of mockery and doubt as well as hope and community. We parse whether depression and anxiety are really 'disorders' or logical reactions to a world that sucks. Also familial estrangement, the art of listening, and Josh's history in music, radio, and being a youth counselor without nefarious intent. 

Guest: Reverend Josh Hosler

This week Wednes matches wits (and witty barbs) with Frankie [http://linktr.ee/frankanthonypolito]--cutest kid in elementary school and award-winning writer with the medal to prove it. We talk about the perils of marketing with Zuckerbots afoot. Wednes learns what a Literary Death Match is, and we both realize we named characters after each other in our debut novels (even though we hadn't talked in decades at the time). We share childhood memories including bullies, therapy, revelations of abuse, and one of us figuring out they were gay--you'll never guess which one. LOL

TW for domestic violence, child abuse, bullying, suicide, and slurs 

Guest: Playwright and Author Frank Anthony Polito

This week's guest, Cat Voleur, [https://linktr.ee/catvoleur] wears many hats and tackles a variety of issues in her life and work. We talk movie tie-in novels and Graveyard Shark in general. Also representation, horror and comedy, politics, non-fiction, and of course, a MadLib. The ep concludes with a killer short story you will not want to miss.

Author, Tie-in Writer, and Podcaster Cat Voleur 

This week has lots of movie talk--especially B movies and horror movies. Wednes and author Eric Mille [https://linktr.ee/ragingeric]r disagree about The Mist, agree on Matheson and BSG, and parse whether all demons are bad or if some just have bad press. Miller shares his journey of seeking help for depression, navigating a world where rejections are common, and his own bouts with impostor syndrome. Plus his first MadLib, Halloween vs Friday the 13th, Swamp Shark, seeing your work onscreen, and we end with a short story that you will NOT want to miss.
TW for suicide talk. 

Guest: Screenwriter and Author Eric Miller

This week, Wednes and David-Jack [https://linktr.ee/djfletcher] speak frankly and angrily about propaganda and contemporary politics. We also talk borderline disorder, trauma, horror movies of the 90s, and how we can receive love even when we don't feel worthy of it. Also representation, why "Hell is other people," and how we might eat differently if we could communicate with animals.
TW for suicidal ideation and planning. 

Australian Author, Publisher, and LGBTQ+ Advocate: David-Jack Fletcher

It's me, Wednesday Lee Friday. I host the Mentally Oddcast and Gratis Guignol. 

Wednesday Lee Friday (@wednesdayleefriday) · Zencastr

Wednesday Lee Friday (@wednesdayleefriday)

the Mentally Oddcast features creatives discussing how mental illness, addiction, neurodivergence, and the impact of trauma informs & inspires their art. New eps every Wednesday! CW/TW for discussions of suicide, addiction, abuse, SA. 

Host Wednesday Lee Friday is the author of A Stabbing for Sadie, Kiss Me Like You Love Me, The Finster Effect, and multiple short story collections. Her career has included wrangling reptiles, sex writing, sociopolitical activism, and lots and lots of retail management. She also runs a soap & gift shop you should totally check out. 

Intro/Outtro music by Peter Alway